Tax holiday set this week

Back-to-school shoppers will be able to save on school clothing and some school-related items next weekend with the state's second tax holiday.

The Texas sales-tax break from Friday through Sunday applies to most clothing and footwear that costs less than $100, and it applies to items in that price range placed on layaway for the first time.

This is the second year for the tax break. Last year, Texans spent more than $400 million on tax-exempt clothing and shoes during the three-day period, the comptroller's office said. The sales-tax savings amounted to more than $32 million.

The tax holiday applies to all state and local sales taxes. Communities were allowed to opt out this year but had to do so before March 31.

Only Sunset Valley, near Austin, chose not to waive local sales taxes, the comptroller's office said.

For a list of tax exempt and non-exempt items see the comptroller's Web site at www.window.state.tx.us, or call the tax assistance hotline at 1-800-252-5555.